25mm Ottoman Napoleonic

Figure Lines

review by Jim Arnold

Before returning from a summer work assignment in Europe I wrote to every vendor in England who might sell something useable for a 25mm Napoleonic army. I knew I would have to buy figures from somebody to create the Ottoman Army I wanted (and thought I'd have to figure out how to paint them, not yet knowing about William Johnson's booklet). Two companies who responded are worth reporting on:

Wargames Foundry (4A Parkyn Rd., Daybrook, Nottingham, NG5 6BG, UK) has a late 16th to mid-17th Century range of Polish figures that make quite acceptable Ottoman Turks. Their baggy trousers and headgear are just the ticket All you will have to do is thin down, with a sharp blade, their firearms. Also Wargames Foundry's Indian Mutiny gun crew and coolie set with four bearers carrying a European casualty will make fine additions for the Ottoman force.

Dixon Miniatures, (available from Johnson Hood, Box 278, Route 40, Triadelphia, West Virginia 26079) was the other UK firm that responded to my query. They have a 17th-18th Century Ottoman Turk collection that, in the words of Mr. Dixon: "could be used for Napoleonics". After comparing the Dixon figures to William Johnson's booklet, I must agree. There seems to be very little difference between a Janissary of the 1700s and a Napoleonic janissary. Again, all you will have to do is modify the musket.

In sum, by relying mostly on Dixon, and filling in the cracks with Wargames Foundry, one can acquire one of the most colorful and interesting of Napoleonic armies.

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